African Nations 2008 preview
Preview of January's African Cup of Nations taking place in Ghana
The 2008 African Cup of Nations begins in January and as dozens of players flock to Ghana in search of glory it's time to take a look at the runners and riders.
The Groups
Group A
Ghana, Morocco, Guinea, Namibia
Host nation Ghana will fancy their chances of topping this group and qualifying. Not only are they playing at home but with players such as Chelsea’s Michael Essien and Portsmouth’s Sulley Muntari in their ranks, they should have enough to finish top of the group. Elsewhere Namibia look to be the whipping boys of Group A with Morocco and Guinea fighting it out for the second qualifying spot.
Group B
Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Mali, Benin
Quite possibly the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ with Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Mali all strong sides battling it out for the two qualifying spots. Premiership managers will be taking a close interest in this group too with players such as: Martins, Yobo, Obi Mikel, Yakubu, Kanu, Etuhu and Utaka featuring for Nigeria whereas Ivory Coast possess players of the calibre of Eboué, the Touré brothers, Zokora and Didier Drogba.
Group C
Egypt, Cameroon, Zambia, Sudan
A tough group to call but one in which holders Egypt and Cameroon will both fancy their chances. However Sudan have raised their game in recent times and may provide a stiffer test than expected. It would also be foolish to write off Zambia and this group could provide the tournament with a couple of early shocks.
Group D
Tunisia, Senegal, South Africa, Angola
Another great, open group with all teams having plenty to play for. Tunisia and Senegal on paper look the stronger sides but Angola (hosts of the next African Cup of Nations) and South Africa (hosts of the next World Cup) will both be looking for a strong showing here. In short, anything could happen.
Ones to watch
Undoubtedly host nation Ghana will take some stopping, especially with a favourable group draw. Yet there are plenty of other teams looking to become 2008 champions. Berti Vogts is currently in charge of Nigeria who posses a strong side, especially in attack where Vogts has the luxury of picking from Newcastle’s Martins, Portsmouth’s Kanu and Utaka and Everton’s Yakubu.
The Ivory Coast too will take some stopping as they possess a strong defence and providing they can keep Didier Drogba fit up front they must be in with a chance.
One side who might also be worth keeping an eye out for are Mali. Although drawn in a tough group the side features players such as Madrid’s Diarra, Liverpool’s Sissoko and Sevilla’s Fredi Kanoute and if they can make it to the qualifiers, they might just go all the way.
In short after Egypt's victory in 2008 there are no shortage of title contenders for the crown of African champions. Whilst many of the players' Premiership team-mates will be shivering back home in the freezing UK winter, the hottest football this January will be taking place in Ghana.
